Sony Open 2026 Preview: Golf Returns to Waialae

With The Sentry cancelled, all eyes turn to Waialae Country Club in Honolulu for the 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii. Scheduled for January 15-18, this event has transformed from a "second stop" into the official season opener, attracting a field stacked with Ryder Cup talent.

Ryder Cup Scouting Report

For fans looking ahead to 2027, the field list at Wanalae offers plenty of intrigue. Several key figures from the 2025 matches are committed to kick off their campaigns here:

Team USA Notables

• Keegan Bradley: The 2025 Captain is back inside the ropes. Can he balance his leadership legacy with competitive form?
• Jordan Spieth: Always a fan favorite, Spieth looks to find consistency early. Waialae's tight lies demand the kind of creativity he is famous for.
• Collin Morikawa: A master of iron play, Morikawa is the betting favorite. His game is tailor-made for this course's small greens.
• Russell Henley: Making a push to be a regular on future teams, Henley's accuracy makes him a horse for this course.

Team Europe Notables

• Robert MacIntyre: The gritty Scot brings his aggressive lefty game to the islands. A strong start here would solidify his standing as a core member of Luke Donald's future plans.

Course Profile: Waialae CC

Unlike the broad, undulating fairways of Kapalua, Waialae is a tight, flat, technical test.

• Par: 70
• Yardage: 7,044 yards
• Key Defense: Tradewinds and tight doglegs

Success here requires precision ball-striking and a hot putter on the Bermuda greens, favoring tactical technicians over pure bombers—a style that often translates well to European Ryder Cup venues.